The Way of Harmony with Energy
Aikido (Japanese: ai- harmony, ki- energy or power, do- way, or path) is the martial art developed in the mid-20th Century by Morihei Ueshiba, called O-sensei (great teacher) by his devotees. Aikido is a modern martial art with ancient roots; Ueshiba was a student of numerous traditional (koryu) forms of Japanese martial arts, including aiki-jutsu, sumo, and sword and spear arts. Aikido is traditionally defined as a soft, circular art that focuses on pins, throws, and grappling, with little emphasis on strikes or attacks. Aikido is sometimes called a non-violent martial art; in the ideal case, aikido is intended to neutralize an attack without causing harm to either the attacker or defender. This ideal was born of Ueshiba's devotion to the Omoto-kyo neo-Shinto movement, combined with traditional samurai notions regarding budo.
History
It is hard to say when exactly aikido began; certainly, the art changed and grew throughout the life of its founder, whose personal history is intimately tied with the history of aikido. Furthermore, the history of aikido is intimately tied to that of the various schools of aiki-jutsu, who trace their histories back to the Minamoto clan of ancient Japan. Many date its modern emergence to 1927, when Ueshiba first began teaching martial arts in Tokyo, but certainly Ueshiba had already spent years formulating his own martial arts visions. In 1931, Ueshiba's headquarters dojo, the Kobukan opened, and in the years that followed, the man and his teachings began to gain prominence throughout Japanese society.
The name 'aikido' emerged in 1942, the system previously being known as aiki-jujutsu or aiki-budo. The stages of Morihei Ueshiba's life are commonly seen to correspond to the different schools of aikido that emerged after his death; Yoshinkan from his early years, when the influence of Ueshiba's aiki-jutsu training was most prominent, is marked by harder, more linear techniques. The Aikikai School, often seen as the most 'official' style, originates in the middle period of Ueshiba's life, after 1942 but before the years leading up to his death. Aikikai styles are best defined in contrast to those of the other schools- they are more rounded and softer than Yoshinkan styles, but retain more physicality than the developments of the Ki Society school. The Ki Society, having its origins in the techniques that Ueshiba taught towards the end of his life, place greater emphasis on the concept of ki and centering than either of the other schools, and tend to emphasis ki testing and rounded, soft techniques. Each of these schools represented the vision of aikido that Ueshiba had imparted to different students during different stages of his life (Gozo Shioda in the case of the Yoshinkan, and Koichi Tohei (namesake of the Tohei hop) in the case of the Ki Society), though both students began training under Ueshiba in the 1930's.
Training
Aikido employs techniques of training and instruction that are somewhat unique. They combine traditional ideas about martial arts instruction (often more so than other, more ancient arts), modern learning techniques, and temple etiquette. Specifics vary from school to school and sensei to sensei, but a few things tend to be consistent. Terminology can vary considerable- there are multiple Japanese terms for each technique or element, and multiple translations into English for each of those words. Some terms are almost always called by (one of) their Japanese name(s). Others are almost always translated. Be prepared to Build Your Vocabulary
The Dojo
A traditional dojo consists of a large, rectangular mat (synthetic or tatami), oriented towards the kamiza- a small shrine, often featuring either a portrait of O-sensei, or calligraphy relevant to budo. The dojo is, in a certain sense, a temple (dojo originally referred to a place where Buddhist monks were taught), with the kamiza as its altar. Teacher and students bow to the kamiza at the open and close of each class, and it is considered polite to not face ones back or point ones feet towards the kamiza. Likewise, shoes are not to be worn on the mat.
Rank
Because all students, regardless of rank, typically train together in aikido, rank is of less concern than in other disciplines. You may never know the rank of your partners, even those you train with repeatedly, unless you ask. You can probably make guesses based on ability, though.
Aikido uses the traditional system of two rankings: kyu (learner) ranks, and dan (qualified student) ranks. The kyu system usually starts at 6 or 5 for adults, and rank decreases with testing, until one reaches 1st kyu. Kyu-rank students wear a white belt and gi, and most commonly do not wear a hakama. Dan ranks begin at 1 (shodan) and increase with testing, to a theoretical maximum of 10. In practice, the highest ranked living aikidoka are of 9th dan or less, and the highest ranked Westerner is 7th or 8th. Dan ranked students wear a black belt, gi, and hakama, usually blue or black in color.
Testing practices vary by school and dojo. Some require a minimum number of hours of training to test for each rank, others base their requirements on years or months of training and don't bother with the number of classes attended. At each level, the student is expected to show progression in the number of techniques known, and skill at executing the required techniques. Ki tests, ukemi ability, weapon forms and dealing with armed attackers, and randori may also play a role, particularly at higher levels of testing. Contrary to what many believe, a black belt does not indicate that you are a master of aikido, as the progression of ranks beyond the first black belt indicates. Rather, in the traditional system, the black belt indicated that the student has achieved a basic level of competency with the full range of techniques taught by the art, and is prepared for further study. It's the martial arts equivalent of a bachelor's degree; you're educated, you know the ropes, it is a basis for continuing your studies, but you certainly don't know everything. A black belt also does not qualify one to teach; teaching certification is often handled separately from the regular rank progression, and may require special study. Full teaching authorization is often only given to those of 3-4th dan or higher.
Instruction
Aikido instruction is based on two pillars: observation, and partner practice. Aikido techniques are introduced to the class by the instructor performing them with a senior student acting as uke (uke is the person who delivers the attack, and receives the technique. It literally means 'the one who receives (the technique)'). The instructor may verbally describe the technique, or may repeat certain aspects of it in slow motion, or from multiple angles. In the most traditional dojos, instruction is not performed, per se. Rather, the student simply observes the technique, and is expected to reproduce it (this is sometimes called 'stealing' techniques, but is actually the principle on which all ancient dojos operated). Few modern dojos go to this extreme, and usually provide at least some verbal instruction. Nevertheless, the ability to learn by observation is highly prized, and is particularly handy for learning at a seminar
After techniques are presented by the instructor, students break up into pairs (or in the case of odd numbers, pairs and a trio), and, after an initial bow, begin to practice the technique. One partner (usually called uke) delivers the initial attack, receives the technique, and performs the roll, breakfall, or other technique (called ukemi) necessary to avoid being injured. The other partner (called, typically, nage- lit. 'thrower') receives the attack, performs the technique, and ensures that his partner comes to no harm. Techniques are practiced twice on each side before partners switch roles- uke attacks on the left, right, left, and right, and then switches to performing the role of nage. When partners practice in threes, one student sits in seiza on the edge of the mat, observing. The standing pair perform the technique, switch, perform the technique, and then uke sits, and the sitting student rises to become the new uke; to put it more plainly, nage always remains standing after both partners have performed the technique.
Students are expected to switch partners for each technique, the intention being that every student will be paired with every other student before the end of class, without repeating (in reality, there are usually either too few students, or too few techniques presented for this to be true). Students are not paired on the basis of ability, and classes are not 'tracked'; it is common, and expected, that very senior students and beginners will practice together. In these cases, it is expected that the senior student will adapt to fit the needs of the junior, providing instruction where necessary, and matching his technique to the ukemi ability of the newer learner. Training is meant to be cooperative. Nage does not 'win' by making uke fall, nor does uke 'win' by frustrating nage's technique. Both partners are expected to deliver authentic attacks, and perform the technique to the best of their ability. Likewise, it is not proper for uke to 'take a fall', acting like the technique works when it has not been performed correctly, nor does uke resist a correctly performed technique to the point that nage is forced to either give up or injure him. If attacks are performed authentically, and techniques carried out correctly with an honest nage and uke, they will work as advertised. If you give attacks with too little energy, if nage exhibits improper ma'ai or does not perform the technique correctly, you will end up with a wrestling match. More on this later.
The sensei may observe students or groups of students during the performance of techniques, offering criticism and (hopefully) correction. Training may also include ki testing (simple exercises designed to test the students ability to move from the center and sense a partner's energy), randori (group sparring, in which a single student receives simultaneous or sequential attacks from multiple partners), ukemi practice, lectures on aikido thought, or practice of weapons kata. Two fundamental lessons of aikido training: the person you are practicing on is your partner, not your opponent and you are always responsible for the safety of your partner
Ukemi
Perhaps the most important thing that you will ever learn from aikido is the fine art of falling down. Ukemi refers to the methods of receiving and reacting to techniques, as well as the maneuvers used to prevent injury when one is thrown or pinned. These techniques consist of rolls (forward and backward), the breakfall or high fall, and things to remember about where to put your face and hands to prevent them from being kicked, stepped on, rug burned, or otherwise abused when one is being pinned. It also includes learning how to deliver attacks that both provide enough energy for the technique to be performed and also preserve nage from danger. One should be able to throw a punch or deliver a shomen with enough force that the throw will be more or less automatic; at the same time, you should be able to stop or divert your attack any time it becomes clear that your partner is not going to respond in time to avoid injury. Please do not punch nage in the face.
In the system used by the Japanese well into the 20th Century, a new student would not be permitted to perform techniques until they had spent several years taking ukemi for more senior students. Modern attitudes are more liberal; students begin taking both roles as soon as they can safely do so. Absolute beginners are often segregated into special classes until their ukemi skills are adequate to open training. In practice, one can train without problem, and even pass your first few kyu tests without learning the breakfall- techniques can be modified to work around this limitation.
Most people will never get into a fight with armed or unarmed attackers where it would be wise to break out the ol' aikido- or anything else, for that matter. Everybody falls. More people die of falls, especially, but not exclusively the elderly, than die of shootings, robberies gone bad, knifings, or any other form of violence. Learning to fall can save your life in the Real World- it could mean a bruised butt instead of a cracked skull the next time you slip on an icy sidewalk. Far more aikidoka have stories about ukemi helping them survive or lessen the damage from falls than have stories about fighting off bands of armed terrorists in the supermarket. If you learn nothing else from aikido, learn how to fall.
Techniques
A quite thorough and enlightening explanation of the basic elements whose permutations make up the catalogue of aikido techniques exist at the so-named node. In short form, aikido builds around 3 attack forms (which can be generalized to any kind of energetic attack- kicks, punches, strikes with a sword, baseball bat, broken bottle, staff, or plush Elmo toy), as well as several dynamic or static grab techniques, and responds through 4-6 wrist locks (depends on school/who you ask) and seven or so basic throws. Most techniques also exist in two variations- a rotational form (omote) and a more linear 'entering' form (iremi).
Weapons
Aikido makes use of three basic weapons: the jo, or short staff, the bokken, or wooden sword, and the tanto, in this case a wooden knife. These three weapons were incorporated into aikido because they had been parts of Morihei Ueshiba's own training as a young man. The weapons are used as an extension to regular training; the three strikes used in basic aikido techniques are based around Japanese fencing forms, and so can be performed either armed or unarmed. The added length of the weapons aides students in learning ma'ai, or proper distance, and the added 'threat' of the weapon can add intensity to training. In theory, aikido techniques allow one to defeat an armed attacker, disarming and immobilizing in a single move. Likewise, certain techniques show the student how to use a weapon (most commonly a jo) to perform an empty-hand technique- locking and pinning an assailant who is so foolish as to grab the end of his staff. In practice, it is not a good idea to get into fights with people with spears, knives or swords. No good can come of it. Some dojos attempt to make this clear by practicing using wooden knives with inked edges- as in plan on a few days in the hospital for every ink-stain on your gi.
Aikido weapons are also used solo, in training kata designed to enhance overall coordination and balance. These kata are often borrowed from other arts- iaido, iaijutsu, jodo, and others. They consist of a series of strikes, blocks, stance and position switches, and movements, that 'rehearse' a combat, and provide practice in basic movement. Kata can be performed alone, or with a partner- make sure you have quality weapons that will not splinter or shatter if struck during partner practice. Some dojo only teach weapon techniques to more senior students, and may offer special classes in their use. Other dojos may be putting a bokken in your hand the minute you walk through the door. Some do not use them at all. Most feel that they are a valuable addition to practice, and necessary for a 'complete' and traditional aikido education- good if you place to teach or ascend the dan ranks- but not necessary to learn and enjoy aikido.
Philosophy
The full personal philosophy of Morihei Ueshiba is hard to put to words, or even understand. Many of his own students later reported that they were unable to follow the often rambling teachings of their saintly instructor. Ueshiba's views had been profoundly affected in the early 1900's by his contact with the Omoto-kyo movement, an obscure Shinto revival movement that made several attempts at founding Ut |
